This week’s news roundup looks at an interesting discovery of Mayan cities by drone, a drone ban parts of Rhode Island, and an inside look at drone light shows for the Fourth of July.

Hidden Mayan Cities Discovered by Drone

The Mirador Basin in Guatemala’s rainforest is home to one of the largest concentrations of ancient Mayan settlements. But because the rainforest is so dense, it’s impossible to see any remains of the Mayan structures with a naked eye. Accessing specific sites requires researchers to hike from the nearest road which can take two or three days. Capturing data from a satellite or a drone without any extra sensors is nearly impossible due to the triple canopy rainforest.

Researchers at the Foundation for Anthropological Research and Environmental Studies (FARES) have spent decades studying the area and have recently made a significant breakthrough with help from a lidar-equipped drones. FARES has upgraded their drone system to include a new lidar scanner that delivers impeccable, highly detailed images like never before. Post data processing, the researchers are left with detailed maps of the ground below the canopy that reveal everything from pyramids, staircases, causeways and plazas. This kind of drone-assisted research is likely to be part of permanent record of the Mirador Basin.

Temporary Drone Restrictions in Providence, Rhode Island

Due to the FIFA World Cup, downtown Providence has a drone exclusion zone in effect from June 1 through July 21. The no-fly zone extends one mile around the Graduate Hotel, where Ghana's team is staying, covering landmarks like the Superman Building, Providence Place Mall, the State House dome, and the Fan Zone at Station Park. A second exclusion zone also surrounds Bryant University, where Ghana will practice. Commercial drone operators can apply for a waiver but must submit requests at least 72 hours in advance. Violating these restrictions is a federal crime carrying fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation.

This is just one of the many instances of drone restrictions we have seen in anticipation of the United States hosting FIFA World Cup matches. City wide flights restrictions such as these are only the start of counter-UAS efforts as these cities do their best to keep everyone safe during such large events. 

Drone Shows Replace Fireworks

Starting this summer, we may notice drone light shows taking the place of fireworks. Seaworld in San Diego, California, has agreed to completely stop fireworks due to a settlement regarding the pollution the fireworks were dropping into Mission Bay. Instead, they will transition to a drone light show.

Drone shows serve as an eco-friendly alternative to fireworks which rain down toxic chemicals, metals, plastics, and other debris after every explosion and are single use. Drone shows do not have any debris, are much quieter, and the drones involved are rechargeable and can be used again many times over.

Drought-stricken areas of the United States are also turning to drone shows this summer to reduce the risk of sparking wildfire.